June 18, 2024

Inside all of us, there is a little child. Some of us are better at hiding it than others. That little child is scared of the unknown, afraid of the opinions of others, and just wants everything to be okay. When things look scary as a child, you go under the covers, when we are adults we mentally and emotionally crumble and anxiety plagues our thinking and decisions. Depression is a feeling where hope is lost, a deep pain in our heart that is caused by the belief that this feeling you have will last forever. This makes us feel like life is not worth living. Is that you?

Elijah had this same feeling where after witnessing Gods greatest miracle in his life he found out the the King’s wife Jezebel was out to kill him. This news filled him with panic and he fled to the woods. Finally after on the run Elijah said “I have had enough Lord, take my life and I am no better than anyone else.” Then an angel appeared to him, and said “get up and eat” He saw some baked bread and a jar of water so he ate it and laid down again.”

The the angel said again “Get up and eat and drink more or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” – 1 Kings 19:4-8

Oftentimes we get depressed because we are not content with what God has blessed us with. We often compare ourselves to others just like Elijah but on social media which kills our joy. Maybe something caught you off guard or just another thing happened the way you didn’t want it to go. When we feel hopeless, this is where the child within us wants to ball up and cry just like Elijah.

But just like Elijah God knew this difficult season was coming, and when you feel like you cannot go on, Jesus always gives you enough strength to carry on. The quote “God will never put you in something you cannot handle” is a lie. God always puts us through things we cannot handle because that’s the point. To be reliant on him for absolutely everything.

This week, I hope you understand these key things; your life ends in joy-filled paradise, this season is not forever, the Lord is close to the brokenhearted (psalm 34:18), he works all things for our good (Romans 8:28), and that he does his best work in us during our most vulnerable times where we lean into prayer and rely on him the most. Tough times reveal the realness of our faith, and it builds it. Otherwise, we would never need God. Finally take heart in knowing that Jesus is hugging that little child in you, comforting you with his words “You have my peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
 
Pastor Chance

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